Takin (Budorcas taxicolor): habitat and range

Fun facts

It lives in the dense bamboo and rhododendron forest and alpine meadows of the eastern Himalaya.
It feeds on bamboo leaves, shrubs, grasses and flowers.
One animal reached a record 21.9 years in captivity.
fisiologíaA thick layer of fat under its skin lets it endure the extreme weather of the eastern Himalayan mountains where it lives.

Life cycle and biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
Habitat and environment: Dense bamboo and rhododendron forest and alpine meadow of the eastern Himalaya, between 1,000 and 4,250 m
Birth weight: ~6 kg at birth, able to follow its mother shortly afterwards
Size at birth: ~6 kg at birth
Sexual maturity: ~2 years
Gestation / incubation: 200-220 days (~7 months)
Litter / clutch size: 1 young per birth
Life expectancy in captivity: Documented record of up to 21.9 years

Sources consulted: Dimensions.com; AnAge (genomics.senescence.info); A-Z Animals (Bhutan Takin); A-Z Animals (Takin); Zoo-guide.com; Grokipedia (Bhutan takin); AnimalHub; Biodiversity of India; PMC (reproductive seasonality golden takins study); Animal Diversity Web

Where to find it

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The pins mark the parks where its presence is documented.

Where to see it

Parks and dive sites where this species has been documented.

Related species

Other species in the catalogue with the most in common with Takin — same habitat, park, country, tags or family.

Same taxonomic family

How to help

The takin is classified as vulnerable. Organisations such as the IUCN, WWF and the Wildlife Conservation Society work specifically on its conservation and that of its habitat; looking into their programmes is a good starting point if you want to get involved.

It's documented in 5 protected areas — one reason why protecting these places matters for its conservation.

Takin